Faith Abuse
Faith and belief-based child abuse, including practices around 'spirit possession' and 'witchcraft', is a hidden crime, which makes it difficult to quantify in terms of magnitude.
Abuse can be separated into five different areas:
Abuse as a result of a child being accused of being a 'witch'
Abuse as a result of a child being accused of being possessed by 'evil spirits'
Ritualistic abuse which is prolonged sexual, physical and psychological abuse
Satanic abuse which is carried out in the name of 'Satan' and may have links to cults
Any other harmful practice linked to a belief or faith
www.met.police.uk/faith-based-abuse
For more in depth information and how to spot the signs and symptoms of faith abuse then please visit https://www.met.police.uk/faith-based-abuse
For information on how to report any suspicions regarding faith abuse please visit https://www.met.police.uk/report-child-abuse
Further support
If you are worried or have any concerns, please contact the Buttercups Safeguarding and Welfare Team.